Duo caught shoplifting for items in Walmart to make a bomb, cops say

Gainesville cops were called to a Walmart after the store's security personnel detained two guys, Mason Scott Beuning and Wolfe O’Meara, both 18, for shoplifting, according to a news release from the Gainesville Police Department.

The two men were caught swiping BBs, flare guns and other items that could be used to construct an explosive device, cops said.

As detectives began interviewing Beuning, they determined that Beuning had already manufactured an explosive device. Beuning told investigators that the device was located at his Gainesville residence, the release stated.

Investigators, ATF agents and members of the Alachua County Sheriff's Office Bomb Disposal Team went to Beuning's home and reportedly found a cardboard tube sealed at both ens containing black powder and a fuse.

Beuning also allegedly told the investigators that he made the device as a “homemade firework” and that he had been scared to detonate it.

The other person with Beuning was O’Meara, also of Gainesville. OMeara has only been charged with misdemeanor shoplifting and possession of Drug Paraphernalia at this time.